VH1 Classic's paying tribute to the lead singer with the Dave Clark 5 on Saturday with a telecast of a 2005 benefit concert for Smith. Full announcement after the jump ...

VH1 Classic is celebrating the life and work of Dave Clark Five lead singer Mike Smith, who passed away yesterday at the age of 64, with the television premiere of “Paul Shaffer And His British Invasion: A Tribute To Mike Smith.” The tribute concert will premiere on VH1 Classic on Saturday, March 1 at 6:30 PM.* The concert will re-air on VH1 Classic Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 PM and will be seen in high-definition on MHD: MTV Networks’ high-definition music channel Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 PM.

Next week, the Top 8 guys (David Archuleta, Jason Castro, David Cook, Chikezie, David Hernandez, Michael Johns, Luke Menard, Danny Noriega) will take the stage once again, singing hits from the ‘80s for America on Tuesday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). Then it’s the ladies’ turn, as the Top 8 girls (Kristy Lee Cook, Asia’h Epperson, Kady Malloy, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado, Amanda Overmyer, Carly Smithson and Brooke White) perform in hopes of winning America’s vote on Wednesday, March 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). Tune in the following night to see who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who goes home. Another two guys and two girls will be eliminated and the Top 12 finalists are announced on the live results show Thursday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Yes, I am in the cult of the movie "Slap Shot" (and old enough to have seen it in a theater). So this item from ESPN was impossible to ignore:

SportsCenter’s featured piece Sunday, March 2, will profile Christian Hanson, a junior center on Notre Dame’s ice hockey team, and his father, Dave Hanson, who played one of the brutal-yet-beloved “Hanson Brothers” in the 1977 classic Slap Shot. Dave describes his life-changing role as Slap Shot’s Jack Hanson, who made his way to the highest levels of professional hockey as an enforcer, while Christian, who has devoted a large part of his life to the sport, never saw his father’s movie until he was a teenager. Reporter Chris Connelly interviewed Dave, now a manager of the Robert Morris University Island Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, at the Cambria County War Memorial Auditorium in Johnstown, Pa., where Slap Shot was filmed.

The famous drummer and singer has died. You may think he's getting a place in this space because, as the obit notes, he was the lead voice of the California Raisins. Not really. I'm just a fan, and I'm not even thinking of the Hendrix stuff. He's here because he did a thunderous version of "Don't Mess With Cupid," back in the day and because "Them Changes" is one of those songs that will always be in my head (it's on the needing-an-update "Songs in the Key of My Life" list with this blog).

MyNetworkTV and World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) have announced a new broadcast television home for “WWE SmackDown,” scheduled to debut in Fall 2008. The announcement was jointly made by MyNetworkTV President, Greg Meidel and WWE Chairman of the Board, Vincent K. McMahon.

The epic miniseries -- which ran longer than a lot of regular TV series -- has been one of the most-asked-about DVD titles from readers, but still one only available on bootlegs. Now TV Shows on DVD has reported that it may at last be making a move to disc in July. Detailed report here.

Marion Cotillard wins. Ick. Yuck. As I have said before, I would give this to anyone else in the category, including Laura Linney, and I haven't even seen her performance. Cotillard is way excited. "Thank you, life, thank you, love. It is true there are angels in this city."

Tilda Swinton wins. Akh. She's in some Harry Potter-ish dress. As you know from my "Oscar Watch" posts, she's not my choice. Not even close. I've got some people I would have nominated before her. And among the nominees, I would have gone with two or three before her. Fun acceptance speech, though.

Here's how it will work tonight: I'll be posting notes here while the Oscars telecasts are in progress. I'll take a break around 11 to write something for tomorrow's Beacon Journal, then return here until the telecast is over, when I'll have to write an update for the paper. Then I'll sum up here. So follow along, if you want, after the jump. ...

I expect to write steadily here at 8 p.m. when the official pre-show begins, and have been taking care of some other business and other TV since. (Tiger Woods strikes again!) Besides, the early coverage is so excruciating. Ryan Seacrest, dressed like hip young priest who talks to youth, talking about rain and another red-carpet denizen leaning into him. Barbara Walters, seeming soooooooo old and stuffy and out of it. (I don't care whether she gets the Moldy Peaches, and I don't want to hear her singing with Ellen Page.) Back for serious business in a few.

Variety says Jesse L. Martin is leaving, with Anthony Anderson coming in. Full story is here.

Martin has been a steady presence on the show, but he has also been there since 1999, a long run for a role that infrequently asks a lot from the actor. It will be interesting to see how long Anderson lasts. He's one of those guys who has real star power -- and was amazing on "The Shield" -- and I could see him getting restless rather quickly. On the other hand, it's a regular paycheck, and those aren't always easy to come by. Witness the rocky road for "K-Ville," Anderson's most recent series.

TLC’s hit series LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD returns on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 8 PM and 8:30 PM ET/PT with 20 brand-new episodes that kicks off with a three episode arc taking viewers inside the courtroom as the family faces Matt’s DUI trial. Other episodes this season focus on Matt and Amy’s 20th wedding anniversary, Zach’s new average-height girlfriend, and Matt and Amy’s cruise during the start of the farm’s critical pumpkin season. (More after the jump.) ...

Several reports that the CW comedy is done, including one here, although there are efforts afoot to at least get a series finale made.

It's a shame. "Girlfriends" was a solid comedy, well cast and well executed. There were a number of years when a great Monday comedy hour was "Everybody Loves Raymond" on CBS followed by "Girlfriends" on UPN (later CW). It was a show of some ambition, dealing with issues like the n-word in interesting ways. And, frankly, it had some of the most beautiful women in television.

On the heels of CBS's announcement, here's NBC's. Also, the network has renewed "Chuck," "Life" and "Heroes" for 2008-2009.

NBC will resume the broadcast of many of its scripted series in April with new original episodes following the settlement of the Writers Guild of America strike, including "The Office," "30 Rock," "My Name Is Earl," "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," among other programs, it was announced by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, and Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"Saturday Night Live" will reportedly resume new broadcasts on Feb. 23. Before then, though, it will rerun the show with LeBron James hosting and Kanye West as the musical guest on Feb. 16. The show first aired on Sept. 24. You can read my comments from its original telecast here.

After months of speculation throughout the television industry, Turner Broadcasting has landed the broadcast rights to the highly-sought-after CG-animated series, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, from creator George Lucas. A new era of Stars Wars entertainment begins this fall when the television series premieres on Cartoon Network, followed by airings on TNT. The series will premiere following the North American theatrical release Friday, August 15, from Warner Bros. Pictures. Details regarding international television broadcasts will be announced shortly.Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS takes audiences on incredible new Star Wars adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with an eye-popping, signature animation style. “I felt there were a lot more Star Wars stories left to tell,” said George Lucas, executive producer of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “I was eager to start telling some of them through animation and, at the same time, push the art of animation forward.” “Nothing like this has ever been produced for television,” said Stuart Snyder, President/COO Turner Animation,Young Adults & Kids Media. “For 30 years, Star Wars has shown that it appeals to a huge breadth of fans. STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS on Cartoon Network will be appointment television for everyone in the family. We’re thrilled to be working with Lucasfilm again and very excited to be playing a role in bringing this remarkable adventure to viewers.”STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS showcases an entirely new look and feel to the galaxy far, far away, combining the expansive scope of the Star Wars saga with state-of-the-art computer-generated animation. Each week, viewers will see a thrilling, 30-minute “mini-movie” created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation. On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old will join such favorite characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin’s padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains—led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous—are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS.With a new story each week, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS continues the tradition of thrilling stories, astonishing visuals and extraordinary music that have always been the hallmarks of the Star Wars saga.Lucasfilm Animation, which is based in Marin County, Calif., with a studio in Singapore, has produced more than 30 all-new episodes of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. The first in a planned series of Web-only documentaries that chronicle the development of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS debuts online today, and can be found at http://www.starwars.com.

A veteran director of televised productions, including "Live From Lincoln Center," Browning has died at the age of 86. I have posted the Lincoln Center notice after the jump, and after my recollections of Kirk.

Back in the early '90s, I was working on my first book, "Television's Greatest Year: 1954." Someone -- it may have been Fred Rogers -- recommended that I talk to Kirk. I telephoned him, and he invited me to his home to chat. ...

"We're thrilled to be able to bring the Olympics to Oxygen's loyal audience," said Ebersol. "This provides yet another platform for NBC Universal's unprecedented coverage of the most anticipated event of the decade, the Beijing Games."

The fake music-biopic starring John C. Reilly was a box-office dud, but maybe people will rediscover it on DVD on April 8. And I had a good time when the promotional tour came to the Rock Hall in Cleveland. (Photo above from that gig.) Full announcement of the DVD after the jump ...

“After a successful decade of SmackDown on both UPN and The CW, World Wrestling Entertainment and The CW have agreed to conclude our partnership. Since CW's exclusive negotiation period ran out as of last Thursday, January 31, we have been contacted and have been in negotiations with other networks. WWE SmackDown will continue to air on The CW until the conclusion of the 2007-08 broadcast season. We are grateful to Les Moonves, Dawn Ostroff, and their entire organization for bringing WWE SmackDown to millions of viewers for so many years.”

-- You may have seen the report of Randy Quaid's bad behavior. Considering all the stories told over the years about stars acting up, I've wondered how far someone would have to go to be punished. I guess we now have some idea of how far that is. And it's pretty freakin' far.

Slime recipient/movie star/funnyman Jack Black (DreamWorks’ upcoming animated feature Kung Fu Panda) will host Nickelodeon’s 21st Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, Saturday, March 29 (8-9:30 p.m. ET/PT) – “where Hollywood meets the slime”-- live from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. Black, who helmed in 2006 and was doused then with the green goo, reclaims the reins at the 2008 “mini-Oscars” event where kids honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television in a star-studded live telecast (tape delayed for West Coast).

It's coming March 18 on standard DVD and Blu-ray. (Details from the announcement after the jump.) There will also be a combo with the regular and HD DVD, but not until April 8. So Warner Home Video is keeping a hand in HD DVD, but obviously giving priority to Blu-ray.

New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree, whose touchdown catch and spectacular final drive-saving grab helped lead the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII, and Super Bowl opponent Benjamin Watson of the New England Patriots, will join forces to make their national television singing debuts this Sunday on the Gospel Music Channel television network as members of the first-ever NFL Players All- Star Choir. The choir's debut was one of the highlights of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration 2008 concert event, which will world premiere exclusively on Gospel Music Channel this Saturday night, Feb. 9 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). ...

Columbus appears to be a hotbed of "Brother"-hood (even if its contestants are transplants from Bowling Green and New Philadelphia). And considering that this season has an all-single cast, pairing of contestants and more players than ever, CBS is obviously hoping for some hot beds. Announcement and list after the jump. More details about the contestants, including photos, at CBS.com ...

NBC has announced a series pickup of the American adaptation of the Australian hit comedy series "Kath & Kim," starring Molly Shannon (NBC's "Saturday Night Live") and Selma Blair ("Legally Blonde"). The pickup was announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"This hilarious new series exemplifies how we are changing the pilot process by ordering shows that we believe in and green-lighting them straight to series," said Silverman. "We are confident that this proven international hit will effortlessly translate to American audiences and we couldn't be more excited that Molly and Selma will be playing the leads."

"Kath & Kim," a series adapted from Australia's hit comedy of the same title, is a look into the minutiae of middle-class suburbia that digs deep into the daily lives of Kath, a cheerful, forty-something divorcee, and her self-absorbed daughter, Kim. It's the love and hate, push and pull, of the dysfunctional relationship only a mother and daughter could share.

Michelle Nader ("King of Queens") will serve as executive producer and writer of the series. Original series creators and stars Gina Riley and Jane Turner will serve as executive producers of the series along with Nader, original series executive producer Rick McKenna and Paul Feig (who is directing the first episode). The series is a production from Reveille for Universal Media Studios.

I did squeeze in a viewing of "Atonement" this afternoon completing my circuit of Oscar's best-picture nominees. I've already started an "Oscar Watch" post about it, but first let me give you the 17 reasons ...

Thought about turning it off when New England went ahead in the fourth. Glad I didn't. Considering how bad the first half had been, that was a fabulous finish. Terry Bradshaw was so hoarse after the game, I have to wonder if he was screaming nonstop at the TV in the final four minutes. I admit to a big shout when the Giants got that winning score. And, as if Bill Belichick hadn't already proven how lacking he is in class, add to the evidence his departing the field when there was still an official second left on the clock.

The last few days have included a fair number of household chores and some movie viewing. I finally got to "Juno" yesterday and am pondering whether Ellen Page has jumped to the top of my best-actress list. She's good, and the movie's terrific. I hope to post an "Oscar watch" on it later, as well as on "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," which I watched on DVD and liked considerably better than I expected. Am also pondering where Casey Affleck fits in my best-supporting-actor rankings. Also watched part of "Ratatouille" (Oscar-watchable as best-animated-movie nominee) Saturday; cute, unbelievably good animation but the end-of-the-day weariness kept me finishing it. Maybe tomorrow.

If the Super Bowl gets to be a snore, I may do some movie posting while watching. I'm just watching as a fan tonight, and didn't even turn to the pregame until after 5:30.

"Arrested Development" fans may be in for a treat. Star Jason Bateman confirmed to E! Online's "Watch With Kristin" columnist Kristin Dos Santos today that the creative geniuses behind "Arrested Development" have put the wheels in motion toward a major motion picture of the Fox comedy. Bateman and other cast members received calls recently from Arrested producers gauging their interest in the project.